Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick brushed off reports the squad find his training methods outdated by saying the team's development is "obvious".
The report from ESPN also claimed United's players were jokingly calling assistant Chris Armas, who is American, Ted Lasso, behind his back - and it is not the first story of discontent since Rangnick's arrival.
It follows disappointing results against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and Burnley in the Premier League, leaving United with little chance of silverware this season and a slight dent in their hopes of a top-four finish.
Rangnick feels the team are taking great strides - and says that it is a result of the work he and his coaching staff are putting in on the training ground.
Asked what he made of the reports, he said: "Nothing to be honest, I have not read any newspapers and don't know about those articles.
"The way the team has developed over the past couple of weeks is obvious tactically, and that is because of the work we are doing in training - both on the pitch and in video analysis."
'The players realise there has been good development'
Rangnick also said the players themselves are aware of the progress they have made, but need to start delivering good performances across the full 90 minutes if they are to take the next step.
United have gone 1-0 up in both of their last two matches against Middlesbrough and Burnley, missing an abundance of chances in each game, and failing to react after an equaliser.
Rangnick hopes this can change with two challenging matches - Southampton on Saturday and Brighton on Tuesday - on the horizon in the league, with United now down to sixth after Arsenal beat Wolves.
"I think it is important that the players have realised that there has been a good development in the past few weeks, in possession and without the ball," he added.
"They realise that we controlled the game, but then if we conceded a goal, we should stick to the game plan and not lose our shape and lose composure.
"This was the most harmful part of it that we just didn't stick to that game plan, we didn't have the same positioning on the pitch.
"Hopefully in the next games if we have the same amount of opportunities, we score more than one goal. This is an issue, we have to be more effective."
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2special1
0
Rangnick is a fake Coach.
bro cease fire
2special1
0
Ralf Rangnick you don't belong to MU it's time for you to quit
Try coaching Man utd in Football Manager career mode before you make any comments.
Zomaduy
0
Ralf Rangnick you don't belong to MU it's time for you to quit
Rosceikmu
1
what kind of crying babies do we have as players in Manchester United squad ?. they complain about everything even when it is obvious that they are not doing enough.
Vaaaben
1
Drop Maguire for tomorrow match. If Ronaldo does not score tomorrow, then obviously drop him. Play Rashford as lone striker, Elanga on right & Sancho on left. Please dont start Cavani. He may be used as sub.
Podaco
0
if players are complaining regarding physical training, the the coaches are going something correct. Good job coaches! keep it up because those lazy players need kick st butt.
IAMJUNGKOOK
0
meanwhile cr7
kg-4991
4
RESULTS people are always behind results. . 1) United have improved significantly in Midfield. McTominay's new position has allowed United to gain more control in Midfield. . 2) Wingbacks are much better at keeping the ball rather than wasting possession. . 3) Positional play is improving in a steady way. . 4) Previously United completely depended on Counter-Attacking to create chances. Now United are playing in a way team is able to create chances by steady build up play. . . There are just 3 issues with United currently. . 1) Very poor in defence during transition. Though the number of transitions opponents make have reduced very much. . 2) Very Poor in finishing. . 3) Fitness has become an issue with players having to play with more effort under Ragnick. Everyone gets tired fast and opponents takes advantage of that.
goodbull007
4
it's been many weeks and we are not controlling the game for full 70, 80 to 90 minutes neither we are getting better in attack. hope everything goes fine and we make it to top three. we should have got all three points from bottom 5 to 6 but why we just came with just a point or even with no point. problem still continues we also need a future striker
nahadmtuz
0
Rangnick is a fake Coach.
Copcmopt
1
0drop Maguire 4 us
YunusUnited555
1
I tell you RR, if you keep on playing slabhead fridge, expect those to happen.....or worse...